Posted: 06-Jan-26
Location: Mitchell, South Dakota
Type: Full Time
Salary Details:
The Board of Directors at Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Central Electric) is seeking qualified applicants for the role of General Manager. This executive position will become available upon the retirement of the current long-term General Manager in July 2026. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the General Manager leads and supervises the operations, maintenance, and strategic advancement of Central Electric, ensuring reliable, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of electrical services.
About Central Electric Cooperative
Central Electric is a financially sound and operationally strong not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative in southeastern South Dakota. The Cooperative’s headquarters is situated four miles west of Mitchell, adjacent to Interstate 90. Service centers are strategically located in Howard, Kimball, Plankinton, and Wessington Springs. Central Electric upholds a safety-first culture while delivering reliable and cost-effective electric service to approximately 5,000 member-owners. The Cooperative manages 4,480 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines across eight counties. The membership includes three large industrial loads that account for over half of total sales. Central Electric employs a committed team of 43 professionals, generates annual revenues of $40 million, and manages a net utility plant valued at $88 million. Employees take pride in providing members with safe, high quality energy services at a reasonable price.
Central Electric was created in 2000 from the merger of Intercounty Electric (founded in Mitchell in 1944) and Tri-County Electric (established in Plankinton in 1947). Both cooperatives were created by local farmers and rural residents to supply essential electric services and enhance the quality of life for their communities. The Cooperative model was chosen to provide consistent and equitable benefits for all member-owners. Today, Central Electric remains dedicated to delivering reliable energy and services, prioritizing safety and member satisfaction.
As a member-owner of East River Electric Power Cooperative and a participant in the Touchstone Energy® Cooperative network, Central Electric upholds the highest standards of member satisfaction and embodies its foundational values of integrity, accountability, innovation, and community engagement.
Location
Central Electric’s service area is ideally situated between Sioux Falls and the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota. Mitchell, home to the Cooperative headquarters, is located just one hour west of Sioux Falls and was named the 2025 Community of the Year by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The Community of the Year award recognizes a community that has made exceptional strides in economic development, job creation, and quality of life. Mitchell has demonstrated outstanding progress, securing a major soybean plant and is investing in housing, childcare, and attracting new residents through its innovative programs. Mitchell offers top quality healthcare, public and private K-12 and postsecondary education, vibrant family-centered amenities, affordable living, and the World’s Only Corn Palace.
Central Electric’s service area attracts hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Missouri River and the variety of year-round recreational opportunities available. The Mitchell region is recognized nationally for its longstanding status as a premier pheasant hunting destination. The area offers extensive options for engaging with the natural environment, appealing both to those interested in outdoor adventure and to individuals seeking leisure activities in a welcoming community. These attributes collectively establish Central Electric’s service area as an outstanding location to live, work, and raise a family.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate must possess exceptional interpersonal abilities and demonstrate a passion for shaping and advancing the Cooperative’s strategic direction. Applicants must have comprehensive knowledge of utility operations, as well as established leadership, communication, management, and technological competencies required to guide the Cooperative effectively. This role demands a deep commitment to serving member-owners and the capability to work collaboratively with the nine-member elected Board of Directors. Providing positive leadership to the Cooperative’s staff is essential. The ideal candidate will embody cooperative principles and the core values of innovation, accountability, commitment to community, and integrity, ensuring the needs of members are met now and into the future.
Essential Competencies
Communication. Clearly conveys ideas, seeks clarification, answers questions, engages others, and actively participates in meetings.
Leadership. Shows confidence, supports an inclusive culture, stays composed, promotes engagement, accountability, and improvement.
Problem Solving. Applies creative thinking, accurately assesses information, proposes options, resolves issues, collaborates, and reasons logically.
Interpersonal Skills. Handles conflicts constructively, maintains confidentiality, listens well, manages emotions, and welcomes new ideas.
Relationships and Teamwork. Balances individual and team roles, supports staff, involves others in planning and decision-making, values feedback and diversity, boosts morale, and encourages group success.
Strategic Thinking. Aligns strategies with cooperative strengths, analyzes competition, identifies threats and opportunities, and adapts to change.
Judgement and Decision Making. Makes timely decisions, applies sound judgment, explains decisions, and involves others as needed.
Change Management. Manages workplace changes, creates practical plans, communicates clearly, engages teams, supports transitions, and reviews outcomes.
Professionalism. Acts tactfully, stays calm under pressure, respects others, accepts responsibility, and honors commitments.
Qualifications
- Comprehensive understanding of electric utility operations is required.
- A minimum of five years’ progressively responsible experience in a rural electric cooperative, electric utility, or a closely related organization is preferred.
- A relevant post-secondary degree is desired; however, equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.
- Proficiency in computer technology, with experience using Microsoft Office and enterprise information systems.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel is required.
Compensation and Benefits
Central Electric offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The benefits package includes a retirement pension plan through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid holidays, and a generous PTO plan. The General Manager is expected to reside within the Cooperative’s service territory, preferably within 20 miles of the headquarters office near Mitchell. Relocation assistance may be available as part of an employment offer.
How to Apply
The Central Electric Board of Directors has retained Liz Avery Recruiting LLC to facilitate the search process. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email addresses) for at least three professional references via the job application link Job Listings - Central Electric Cooperative Jobs. Inquiries regarding the recruitment process can be directed to Liz Avery at jobs@centralec.coop.
Applications will be accepted through February 15, 2026. Final interviews are anticipated in mid-April.
For more information about Central Electric, please visit the cooperative website at https://www.centralec.coop/
Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.